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Great Rail Journeys · Independent tour

Rocky Mountaineer: Grand Tour of the Rockies

Two Rocky Mountaineer routes through Canadian Rockies from Vancouver to Kamloops

Illustration of Rocky Mountaineer: Grand Tour of the Rockies

Great Rail Journeys operates this 13-day independent tour of Canada's western mountains, departing from London Heathrow and returning after exploring Vancouver, the Canadian Rockies and the mountain towns of Whistler, Jasper, Lake Louise and Banff. You will spend four days aboard Rocky Mountaineer in Gold Leaf class across two routes: the Rainforest to Gold Rush route from Vancouver through Whistler and Quesnel to Jasper, and the First Passage to the West route from Banff back through Kamloops to Vancouver. The itinerary balances rail travel with free time in each mountain town. Day 2 takes you north along the Sea to Sky Corridor with views of Howe Sound and the Coast Mountains. Days 5 and 7 offer leisure time in Jasper and Lake Louise for hiking, gondola rides and exploration. Day 6 travels the Icefields Parkway, stopping for an Ice Explorer ride onto the Athabasca Glacier and a walk across the glass-floored Glacier Skywalk. Day 8 passes through Yoho National Park. Day 10 crosses the Continental Divide near the historic Spiral Tunnels and stops at Craigellachie.

What to know before you look closer

  • The Icefields Parkway and Columbia Icefield excursion operate from mid-May departures onwards only; confirm your departure date includes this activity.
  • Hotel options vary by location: Whistler is listed as a 4-star property (unspecified), Quesnel as 3-star (unspecified), and Banff offers a choice between Moose Hotel & Suites or the five-star Fairmont Banff Springs Hotel; final accommodation depends on your tier and booking.
  • Day 8 checkout from Lake Louise is 12 noon with departure around 2pm; luggage is stored after checkout.
  • Meals are bed and breakfast basis in hotels; dinners and lunches are at your own cost except for breakfasts on board the Rocky Mountaineer.

Day by day

  1. Day 1overnight: Vancouver

    Arrival in Vancouver

    Your independent discovery of the Canadian Rockies begins with a flight from London Heathrow to Vancouver. Arriving the same day, you can check in to your hotel and get to know this attractive city better. Located on the Pacific coast, Vancouver is regularly regarded as one of the world's most desirable places to live. Vancouver's original downtown, Gastown, is the city's most historic area. In leafy Stanley Park, you can view colourful totem poles or seek out the food markets of Granville Island.

  2. Day 2railovernight: Whistler (4-star hotel)

    From sea to sky on Rocky Mountaineer

    Transfer early to the train station and board the iconic Rocky Mountaineer for a breathtaking rail journey along the Sea to Sky Corridor. Highlights include spectacular views of Howe Sound, the Coast Mountains, Brandywine Falls, Mount Garibaldi and the Cheakamus Canyon. Arrive in Whistler this afternoon; the remainder of the day is at leisure.

    Meals: Breakfast (on board)

  3. Day 3railovernight: Quesnel (3-star hotel)

    Gold rush town of Quesnel

    A pre-arranged coach picks you up from your hotel and takes you along the Sea to Sky Highway to Pemberton train station, where you board Rocky Mountaineer. Enjoy breathtaking scenery from the Pemberton Valley through the Fraser Canyon to the Cariboo Plateau. Highlights include Anderson Lake, Seton Lake, sweeping views of the Fraser Canyon and the Deep Creek trestle bridge (over 300 feet tall). Arrive in Quesnel, gateway to the North Cariboo.

    Meals: Breakfast (on board)

  4. Day 4overnight: Jasper

    Past Mount Robson to Jasper

    Board Rocky Mountaineer again, following the Fraser River north to Prince George, then east through forests home to moose, caribou and bears. Pass Mount Robson (12,972 feet), known as the 'King of the Rockies'. Arrive in Jasper, a popular tourist destination with a small-town feel, interesting shops and restaurants.

    Meals: Breakfast (on board)

  5. Day 5overnight: Jasper

    Admiring Jasper National Park

    The morning is free to soak up the charm of Jasper and explore this UNESCO World Heritage site. In the afternoon, enjoy a half-day sightseeing tour of Jasper National Park, including Patricia Lake, Pyramid Lake and the Jasper SkyTram – the longest and highest guided aerial tramway in Canada, rising nearly 3,500ft in seven minutes to a height of 7,425ft.

    Meals: Breakfast

  6. Day 6overnight: Lake Louise

    Marvelling at the Athabasca Glacier

    Journey along the famous Icefields Parkway (144 miles), viewing natural landmarks including Athabasca Falls and more than 100 glaciers. From mid-May departures onwards, stop at the Columbia Icefield to ride an Ice Explorer to the middle of the Athabasca Glacier and step onto the glass-floored Glacier Skywalk. Continue along the Parkway with a stop at Bow Lake, then arrive at Lake Louise and check in to the Fairmont Château Lake Louise.

    Meals: Breakfast

  7. Day 7overnight: Lake Louise

    Exploring Lake Louise

    A full day at leisure in Lake Louise. Explore hiking trails including the Lake Louise Lakefront Trail and the Plain of Six Glaciers Trail. Canoe rentals available at the Boathouse in summer. Optional independent excursions include a gondola journey to 6,893 feet, afternoon tea at the Fairmont Château Lake Louise, or a helicopter trip.

    Meals: Breakfast

  8. Day 8overnight: Banff

    Through Yoho National Park to Banff

    Free morning to explore Lake Louise. After lunch, a half-day transfer takes you through Yoho National Park to view the Spiral Tunnels (designed in 1908) and Emerald Lake. Continue to the mountain town of Banff and check in to your hotel for two nights. Note: departure from Fairmont Château Lake Louise is approximately 2pm; scheduled checkout is 12noon, luggage stored upon checkout.

    Meals: Breakfast

  9. Day 9overnight: Banff

    Free day in picturesque Banff

    A day at leisure to explore Banff at your own pace. Optional excursions include the Banff Gondola to the top of Sulphur Mountain for views across the Bow River Valley, wildlife excursions, the town's hot springs, or exploring Main Street's independent shops and restaurants.

    Meals: Breakfast

  10. Day 10railovernight: Kamloops

    Aboard the pioneering First Passage to the West

    Back on board Rocky Mountaineer for a daylight journey to Kamloops, following the First Passage to the West route. The train winds through Banff National Park past Morant's Curve, crosses the Continental Divide near the Spiral Tunnels, passes through Rogers Pass and the Connaught Tunnel, and passes Craigellachie where the 'last spike' was driven in 1885. Travel along Shuswap Lake before arriving in Kamloops for an overnight stay.

    Meals: Breakfast (on board)

  11. Day 11overnight: Vancouver

    Returning to Vancouver

    The Rocky Mountaineer journey concludes along the Thompson and Fraser canyons, with views of green forests, dramatic valleys and Canadian wildlife. Pass Hell's Gate where the Fraser River narrows to just 115 feet. Arrive back in Vancouver and check in to your hotel for the final night in Canada. Evening at leisure to explore western Canada's cuisine.

    Meals: Breakfast (on board)

  12. Day 12

    Homeward bound

    Check out of your hotel and transfer to the airport for your flight back to London Heathrow.

    Meals: Breakfast

  13. Day 13

    Landing in London

    Your unforgettable independent journey ends today as you land at London Heathrow.

The moments this trip is built around

  • Day 2Board Rocky Mountaineer and travel the Sea to Sky Corridor with views of Howe Sound, Coast Mountains, Brandywine Falls and Mount Garibaldi, arriving in Whistler by afternoon.
  • Day 4Pass Mount Robson, known as the King of the Rockies at 12,972 feet, traveling through forests toward Jasper.
  • Day 6Journey along the Icefields Parkway, viewing Athabasca Falls and more than 100 glaciers; from mid-May onwards, ride an Ice Explorer onto the Athabasca Glacier and walk the glass-floored Glacier Skywalk; continue to Bow Lake and Lake Louise.
  • Day 8Travel through Yoho National Park viewing the Spiral Tunnels, designed in 1908, and Emerald Lake before arriving in Banff.
  • Day 10Reboard Rocky Mountaineer for the First Passage to the West route, passing Morant's Curve in Banff National Park, crossing the Continental Divide, traversing Rogers Pass and the Connaught Tunnel, and stopping at Craigellachie where the last spike was driven in 1885.

Included

  • 11 nights in hotels on a Bed & Breakfast basis
  • 4 days on board the Rocky Mountaineer train in Gold Leaf class
  • Return flights from London Heathrow to Vancouver
  • Visit to the Squamish Lil'Wat Cultural Centre
  • Half day sightseeing tour of Jasper National Park
  • Icefields Parkway journey including Ice Explorer onto the Glacier and Glacier Skywalk (mid-May departures onwards only)
  • Included meals on board Rocky Mountaineer
  • Coach transfer from Whistler hotel to Pemberton train station (Day 3)
  • Half-day transfer through Yoho National Park to Banff (Day 8)
  • Airport transfers

Not included

  • Cancellation & Travel Insurance

Questions travellers ask

Which trains are included?
Great Rail Journeys includes four days aboard Rocky Mountaineer: the Rainforest to Gold Rush route (Days 2, 3 and 4 from Vancouver to Whistler, Pemberton to Quesnel, and Quesnel to Jasper) and the First Passage to the West route (Days 10 and 11 from Banff to Kamloops and Kamloops to Vancouver). All train travel is in Gold Leaf class.
What is included in the price?
The package includes return flights from London Heathrow to Vancouver, 11 nights in hotels on a bed and breakfast basis, four days on Rocky Mountaineer, a half-day sightseeing tour of Jasper National Park, the Icefields Parkway journey with Ice Explorer and Glacier Skywalk (mid-May departures onwards), the Jasper SkyTram, a half-day transfer through Yoho National Park, visits to the Squamish Lil'Wat Cultural Centre, all breakfasts on board the train, and airport transfers.
Is this an escorted or independent tour?
This is an independent tour. You make your own way during free days in Jasper, Lake Louise and Banff. Some days include group excursions such as the Jasper National Park tour and the Icefields Parkway journey.
What are the hotels?
Hotels include the Fairmont Waterfront Hotel in Vancouver (2 nights), a 4-star property in Whistler (1 night), a 3-star hotel in Quesnel (1 night), Fairmont Jasper Park Lodge (2 nights), Fairmont Chateau Lake Louise (2 nights), and in Banff either the Moose Hotel & Suites or the Fairmont Banff Springs Hotel (2 nights), plus a hotel in Kamloops (1 night).
How much walking and physical activity is involved?
Days include optional hiking trails at Lake Louise, gondola rides ascending to 6,893 feet and 7,425 feet, and coach transfers with some walking. The Glacier Skywalk and Ice Explorer activities involve moderate exertion; many excursions are optional.
When does this tour run?
The tour runs May through September, with the Icefields Parkway excursion and Ice Explorer available from mid-May departures onwards.

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